I lived in an owner-occupied building with 2 total units. 

I was thinking about driving for dollars to build a list of at least 3,000 properties.

The contact told me we should separate the 1099 income from s corp entity, that would already save us money.we should also give a percentage of our s corp as shares to our two daughters, that would also save us taxes.I also want to get into real estate investment to build passive income.  

Not sure if higher purchase prices/rates have created this boom or if it's that all the new supply of rentals in Chicago is aimed at top end luxury *$3000 1br type builds etc. but rents have shot up on the north side.

I am bullish on the location and the building.  

Not to mention the inspection came back with SO many issues.

Wanting to explore other options or find out other financial strategies for trying to build a detached home on our lot without having to refinance out of our 2.75 interest rate with a cash out or doing a HELOC.

I do live in my building so my income from the other 2 units in the building go toward my mortgage payment.

Particularly, I found Dallas/Fort Worth area interesting due to their large number of new builds/communities.

Also, your subsidized (by the rent) mortgage payment is building equity every month.